"HARMAN's Revenue Doubled in 10 Years"... Samsung Electronics Showcases 80 Years of Audio History

JBL's 80th Anniversary and Bowers & Wilkins' 60th Anniversary Exhibition
From 1920s Vacuum-Tube Radios
Legendary Models Including Paragon and Nautilus on Display

A showroom in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, visited on October 21, was filled with audio equipment that had served venues from the 1969 Woodstock Festival's sound system to leading theaters and recording studios around the world. On display in their original form were legendary audio products that transformed American living rooms in the 1950s through the 1970s, including the vacuum tube-based "Jackson-Bell Radio," whose early technology was developed with the involvement of renowned audio engineer James B. Lansing, as well as the "Paragon" and "L100 Century." The exhibition brings to life the founder's motto: "There for every moment that calls for music." It is a special exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of audio brand JBL, founded in 1946.

A model presents the logo commemorating JBL's 80th anniversary at a special exhibition celebrating JBL's 80th anniversary and Bowers & Wilkins' 60th anniversary, held at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 21st. Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics is holding a special exhibition to mark the 80th anniversary of JBL, the flagship brand of its audio subsidiary HARMAN, and the 60th anniversary of Bowers & Wilkins. The event will run from October 24 to 31 at Project Space Line in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is part of the "JBL Playback Gallery," a global tour that also visits Amsterdam, New York, and Tokyo.

JBL's 80-year heritage products are on display at a special exhibition celebrating JBL's 80th anniversary and Bowers & Wilkins' 60th anniversary at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 21st. Photo by Kim Jinyoung.

On the first floor, visitors can view videos and photographs tracing JBL's 80-year history, while the second floor features devices that showcase the brand's origins. The exhibition includes the "Jackson-Bell Radio," featuring the founder James B. Lansing's early acoustic designs; the large "Paragon" stereo speaker, launched in 1957; and the "L100 Century," a legendary home speaker incorporating studio monitor design from the 1970s. The latest portable speaker, PULSE 6, AI-powered microphones, and wireless headphones are also on display.

The “Paragon” stereo speaker on display at a special exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of JBL and the 60th anniversary of Bowers & Wilkins, held on the 21st at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Photo by Kim Jinyoung.

The third floor features a space dedicated to British high-end audio brand Bowers & Wilkins, which was acquired by HARMAN. Founded by John Bowers in 1966, Bowers & Wilkins is widely used for monitoring equipment in renowned recording studios, including Abbey Road Studios in the UK. On display is the "Nautilus," a snail-shell-shaped speaker launched in 1993. The "800 Series Diamond D5," a flagship speaker made to commemorate the brand's 60th anniversary, is also featured. It is the latest model, with improved vibration-control design and diamond-dome tweeters. Visitors can also try the premium Px8 S2 wireless headphones.

Bowers & Wilkins products are on display at a special exhibition marking JBL's 80th anniversary and Bowers & Wilkins' 60th anniversary at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 21st. Photo by Kim Jinyoung.

This year also marks 10 years since Samsung Electronics announced its acquisition of HARMAN. Samsung Electronics acquired HARMAN in 2016 for $8 billion (about 9.4 trillion won at the time). HARMAN's global revenue more than doubled, rising from 7.1 trillion won in 2017 to 15.8 trillion won in 2025. Its operating profit reached a record 1.5 trillion won last year.

HARMAN also strengthened its premium audio lineup by acquiring Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, and Marantz for $350 million. It is also expanding its automotive electronics business. The company has broadened its technological capabilities by deciding to acquire the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) business of German auto parts maker ZF Friedrichshafen.

JBL portable speakers, including the latest PULSE 6, are on display at a special exhibition celebrating JBL’s 80th anniversary and Bowers & Wilkins’ 60th anniversary, held at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 21st. Photo by Kim Jinyoung

Young Sohn, an advisor to Samsung Electronics and chairman of HARMAN's board, said, "This is an opportunity to experience in one place the 80-year history of sound built by JBL and the 60-year legacy of Bowers & Wilkins." He added, "Together with HARMAN, Samsung Electronics will continue to innovate in audio technology so that customers around the world can enjoy the best sound in every moment of their daily lives."

Visitors can make reservations in advance through the Naver portal. At the venue, guided tours led by professional docents and collaborative programs with Korean artists will be held. The event will also include a giveaway for visitors who complete tours of all floors and online promotional discounts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.